May 24, 2023

Eventing Coaches Program Adds New Certification Levels

By Lindsay Berreth - USEA Staff
USEA/Leslie Mintz photo

The U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) Board of Governors (BOG) recently approved a change to the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) levels.

In 2021, the ECP, then known as the Instructors Certification Program, changed levels to align with FEI competition levels. Since then, the ECP Committee has learned that having certification levels that included more than one competition level was making it difficult for coaches to achieve eligibility to obtain certification at Level I and II due to the requirement that a coach have at least three students competing at the top level of certification.

In addition, in anticipation of the Starter level becoming a recognized level, the ECP has added a Starter certification to accommodate coaches who are just starting out or only teach Starter level students.

Level III certifications and above remain the same, as do Young Event Horse Coach and Young Event Horse Professional Horse Trainer levels.

The new certification levels are:

  • Starter – Up through Starter level riding/training/competing and horse care.
  • Level I - Beginner Novice – Up through Beginner Novice riding/training/competing and horse care.
  • Level I - Novice – Up through Novice riding/training/competing and horse care.
  • Level II - Training – Up through Training riding/training/competing and horse care.
  • Level II - Modified – Up through Modified/1* riding/training/competing and horse care.

To learn more about the ECP, click here.

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Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are Stars of the Show at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials

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Pressure Proof Tip with Daniel Stewart: Reframing Isn't About Hanging Pictures

At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.

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Through the Lens: 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!

May 06, 2025 Competitions

Fast Facts: Tryon International Three-Day Event

As we gear up for the summer, the competition season isn’t slowing down and it’s time for one of the staple events on the international calendar in the U.S., the Tryon International Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, North Carolina). This event hosts one of five CCI4*-L events on the U.S. calendar, and this year there are 13 competitors in the field. Continue reading below for more interesting facts pertaining to the event that kicks off this Thursday, May 8.

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